Courtesy of FordhamSports.com
Bronx, N.Y. – Two former Fordham University men’s basketball standouts have signed contracts recently to play professionally in Europe in 2016-2017. Forward Ryan Rhoomes will play for Saint-Quentin Aisne in France while guard Mandell Thomas will play for BC Tartu in Estonia.
Rhoomes, who earned Third Team All-Atlantic 10 and Second Team All-Met honors last season, had a solid senior season, averaging 14.6 ppg and 9.7 rpg, both team highs, while recording a team-best 13 doubles-doubles. He led the Atlantic 10 and was sixth in the NCAA in field goal percentage, shooting at a .647 clip, a new school record. Rhoomes also ranked second in the conference and 30th in the nation in rebounding average and was tops in the league and fifth in the NCAA in offensive rebounds/game (4.19). He also ranked third in the A-10 in blocks/game (1.8).
Rhoomes finished his career sixth on the Fordham all-time rebounding list (936) and fifth on the school’s career blocked shots list (146).
“Signing a professional contract is a dream come true for me,” said Rhoomes. “But I know none of this would have been possible if not for the opportunity that I was given at Fordham and I will forever grateful to all those at Fordham who helped me get to where I am.”
“Ryan Rhoomes has improved as a basketball player at an amazing rate over the last 16 months,” said Fordham head coach Jeff Neubauer. “Ryan deserves this opportunity to compete as a professional on the basketball court. We are really proud of the season that Ryan had and the career that he will have.”
Thomas, who was slowed by an injury this winter, averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.6 rpg while also recording 54 steals and 50 assists. Thomas was second in the Atlantic 10, and 25th in the NCAA, in steals/game (2.1), ninth in three-point field goal percentage (.400) and 13th in three-pointers made/game (2.0).
Thomas graduates among the all-time leading scorers in Fordham history. He ranks 13th on the school’s career list (1,385) while also ranking fifth in career steals (198) and eighth in career three-pointers made (164).
“I’m excited to finally begin my professionally career in Estonia with my new team,” said Thomas. “I know it’ll be a bit of an adjustment at first, but I’m looking forward to it and happy to be continuing my basketball career. I am thankful to everyone at Fordham for helping me lay a foundation to build off of moving forward. I wish everyone nothing but the best.”
“We are really proud of what Mandell has given to Fordham Basketball,” said Neubauer. “He will do very well as a pro.”
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